Watch Buffalo Bushido

Buffalo Bushido is a 2009 independent drama film that explores the themes of family, loyalty, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The film is directed by Peter McGennis, who also plays the lead role of Buffalo Brown, a former professional boxer and current small-time criminal in Buffalo, New York. The story follows Buffalo as he tries to navigate the complexities of his relationships with his estranged wife, his young daughter, and his longtime friend and partner in crime, Jesse (Jesse L. Martin). Buffalo's life takes an unexpected turn when he befriends a young Japanese woman named Chiyo (Leila Arcieri), who has recently moved to Buffalo to start a new life.

As Buffalo and Chiyo spend more time together, their friendship deepens, and they both begin to see the world and each other in a new light. However, their budding relationship is threatened by the arrival of Chiyo's volatile ex-boyfriend, Takumi (Masa Kanome), who has followed her to Buffalo with violent intentions.

The film's title, Buffalo Bushido, refers to the concept of bushido, the traditional code of ethics observed by samurai warriors in Japan. Throughout the film, the characters grapple with their own sense of honor and duty in the face of difficult circumstances.

One of the film's strengths is its authentic portrayal of Buffalo and the surrounding area. McGennis, who grew up in Buffalo, clearly has a deep affection for the city and its people, and he captures the gritty, working-class atmosphere of the city with a keen eye.

The performances in the film are uniformly strong, with McGennis bringing a quiet intensity to his role as Buffalo, and Leila Arcieri imbuing Chiyo with a sense of poise and strength that belies her fragile appearance. Martin, as Jesse, provides a welcome dose of humor and levity to the proceedings.

Ultimately, Buffalo Bushido is a thoughtful, well-crafted film that rewards viewers with its nuanced characters and evocative setting. It's a film about the consequences of our actions, and the sometimes uneasy balancing act between loyalty and personal growth. Anyone who enjoys character-driven dramas with a strong sense of place should seek out this film.